Minivan-in-ocean mom, Ebony Wilkerson, released from jail

Saturday

May 31, 2014 at 8:40 AMMay 31, 2014 at 8:53 PM

Ebony Wilkerson, the mother whose three terrified children were rescued from her minivan at it was battered by the surf on Daytona Beach on March 4, was bonded out of the Volusia County Jail on Friday night.

Ebony Wilkerson, accused of driving her minivan with her three terrified children into the rough surf on Daytona Beach, has been released from the Volusia County Jail and may have reunited with her husband, her attorney said Saturday. Wilkerson, 33, who recently gave birth to a baby boy, faces three counts of attempted second-degree murder and three counts of child abuse after police say the then-pregnant mother drove her minivan into the ocean March 4. On Thursday, her bail was reduced from $1.2 million to $90,000 after Wilkerson testified she was back to her “normal self.” According to Volusia County Corrections, Wilkerson was released at 10:36 p.m. on Friday after Jones Bail Bonds posted her bail. The company typically would have required 10 percent of the bond, or $9,000, as a fee to post her bond.Wilkerson’s attorney, Public Defender James Purdy, said Saturday he did not know where Wilkerson is staying but assumes she is with her husband, Lutful Ronjon.“I think the husband is the one that put up the bond,” Purdy said. “I know that he was working on it and probably had to get together with other family and friends.”Jeff Harrell, Wilkerson’s stepfather, who said he raised her since she was a child, said he spoke with Wilkerson after she was released from jail. He said he was unable to provide details about his stepdaughter, until her trial is over. “I don’t know where she is at, but I know she’s in a safe location,” said Harrell, a Volusia County resident. “She called me and is doing all right. … Right now this is stressful for our family.” With her release, Purdy said he looks forward to talking to her at his office rather than the confines of the jail.“It’s just all around a much better atmosphere to interview someone,” Purdy said.The office, Purdy said, is a better setting to review the now famous video of the incident. The video of Wilkerson’s minivan bobbing in the surf as bystanders and beach officials tried to rescue the three children made headlines around the world. According to sheriff’s reports, the pregnant mom tried to hinder rescue efforts, and the children said their mother was trying to kill them and was “acting like a lunatic.” Wilkerson told police she drove from South Carolina to Daytona Beach to her sister’s residence because her husband Ronjon was abusive.Wilkerson testified at Thursday’s hearing that she delivered the baby boy on May 19. She had been at the jail or under jail custody at the psychiatric ward at Halifax Health Medical Center since her arrest on March 7.Circuit Judge Leah Case lowered Wilkerson’s bail and set a number of conditions. Wilkerson cannot have any contact with her four children. She must remain in Volusia County, continue taking her medication and see a psychologist or psychiatrist. She must also check in with pre-trial services once a week.Wilkerson’s husband, Ronjon of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is caring for their baby son. The other children have been placed with a foster family by the Department of Children & Families. Purdy said if Wilkerson is staying with Ronjon, he assumes another family member is caring for their newborn son, since she cannot have contact with her children.Wilkerson previously told authorities that she was sexually abused by Ronjon and he had inappropriately touched one of their children. But on Thursday, she answered “yes” when asked by prosecutor Kevin Sullivan if Ronjon would be a “perfect caretaker” for their children. Ronjon took the stand at the hearing on Thursday and denied Wilkerson’s allegations. He testified that he told authorities she had a mental problem.Gary Jones, co-owner of Jones Bail Bonds Agency in Daytona Beach, said he could not discuss the details of Wilkerson’s bond or whether his company made any special exceptions for her. However, he gave assurances that Wilkerson would be at her upcoming trial and was not a flight risk.The State Attorney’s Office also released Friday a note that Wilkerson wrote to her husband on the back of a hospital envelope. Officials intercepted the note which she wrote while at the hospital but under jail custody. The envelope was labeled, “Baby’s First Picture.” It read “Halifax Health Center for Women & Infant Health.” On the front, Wilkerson wrote, “To Ronnie” and then, “Read back!!”The writing on the back is difficult to read on the copy. But according to a Volusia County Sheriff’s Office report, Wilkerson wrote, “So you know I wanted you to name him ****& By the time I called it was too late. I’m either going to the jail tomorrow. But for now I’m at Halifax Psych going back down. I love you & Keep him safe. Look out for the family. Keep me in your prayers. *remember 5/29* You’re a great father + husband. God Bless. Love Ebony.”Staff Writer Frank Fernandez contributed to this report.

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